The Enugu State Police Command has firmly refuted circulating reports alleging that Fulani herdsmen carried out a violent attack on several communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, killing 25 people and displacing dozens. The police described the claims as fabricated, misleading, and aimed at inciting public fear.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by the state command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the police stated that a thorough investigation showed no evidence of any such attack or casualties within the specified region. Ndukwe labeled the viral news as “entirely false, sensational, and mischievous,” stressing that the report’s vague language and fictitious names were tell-tale signs of misinformation.
“The report is a calculated attempt to misinform the public and undermine the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the state,” Ndukwe stated. He reiterated the police’s commitment to verifying any reports before releasing accurate information to the public, urging citizens to be wary of unverified media sources.
Further quoting the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, the statement warned against spreading misinformation capable of triggering panic or ethnic tension. “Such inaccurate, mischievous, and baseless reports are designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary panic,” the police commissioner said.
The police also condemned the manner in which certain media platforms amplified the fake story without verifying facts. They warned that such irresponsible journalism poses serious threats to social harmony, particularly in a multi-ethnic and peace-prioritizing state like Enugu.
According to the reports being debunked, Fulani herdsmen allegedly launched a deadly attack on farming communities in Uzo-Uwani, killing about 25 residents and injuring scores. The story also suggested that survivors were fleeing their villages to neighboring Anambra and Kogi states to escape continued assaults.
This narrative, which quickly gained traction on social media and fringe news websites, had begun to stir fears of renewed farmer-herder conflict in the South-East, reminiscent of past tensions that led to communal unrest in parts of Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa States.
The Enugu Police Command, however, maintained that no such incident occurred. The command stated that its operational units have remained on high alert and have not recorded any such attacks or incidents in the area during the reported period. It further noted that community leaders and local law enforcement structures in Uzo-Uwani confirmed the absence of any such crisis.
In reassuring residents, the police emphasized the strength of its community policing initiative, which has reportedly helped improve intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and timely conflict resolution.
“We urge members of the public to disregard the false reports and remain confident in the existing security arrangements. Anyone found responsible for spreading such misleading claims will be investigated and prosecuted in line with the law,” the statement concluded.
While the police have cleared the air, civil society organizations and community stakeholders have also cautioned against ethnic profiling and the dangers of attributing violence to entire communities or groups without verified evidence. They stressed that baseless claims of attacks by Fulani herdsmen can fuel stereotypes, incite hatred, and strain inter-community relations across the country.
Security analysts also warn that fake news, especially those tied to ethnic conflicts, poses one of the biggest threats to peace in Nigeria. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for stricter sanctions on platforms and individuals that peddle disinformation with the intent to destabilize the country.
Enugu State, often regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the South-East, has long prioritized strategies for communal peace, including stakeholder engagement, neighborhood watch groups, and inter-religious dialogue. The state government has not issued any statement corroborating the alleged attack and continues to work with security agencies to ensure safety across all communities.
As of the time of this report, normalcy remains in Uzo-Uwani and surrounding LGAs, with no verified record of displacement or casualties.